Amritsar, Tension prevailed at the Golden Temple complex here Friday as more than 10 people, including a child, were injured at the Sikh shrine complex in a clash between task force volunteers of the SGPC and radical Sikh activists on the 30th anniversary of the army’s Operation Bluestar.

Swords and sticks were openly used as scores of men from both sides chased one another outside the Akal Takht building within the complex, which is home to the holiest of Sikh shrines – Harmandar Sahib. Many people could be seen running for cover to save themselves.

Police were keeping a close watch on the situation inside the shrine complex.

“The radical elements tried to take control of the public address system and shouted slogans. This was opposed by the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) volunteers, which led to a violent clash,” a police officer outside the shrine complex said.

Eyewitnesses said the clash occurred when activists of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) were stopped by the SGPC task force volunteers from brandishing swords and other traditional weapons and raising pro-Khalistan slogans inside the complex.

This led to a clash between both sides just after the religious ceremony to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Operation Bluestar.